Large crowds are expected in Covington for the 49th annual Labor Day weekend fireworks on Sunday, August 31. The City of Covington and its Police Department have announced a set of rules and restrictions to manage safety and traffic during the event.
The regulations, similar to those from previous years with minor changes, will be enforced in Devou Park and the downtown Riverfest Impact Area. This area is defined as north of East Fourth Street between the Licking River and Madison Avenue, including a section from Madison to Johnson Street along West Rivercenter Boulevard.
The Covington Police Command Center for the Western & Southern/WEBN Fireworks will again operate at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center at Madison Avenue and Rivercenter Boulevard.
To assist people with disabilities accessing the Impact Area, police will provide a cart and driver. Those needing this service can contact the Command Center at (859) 468-4604 upon arrival.
The fireworks display is scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. For additional information about related events in Cincinnati, details are available on the Western & Southern/ WEBN Fireworks website: https://webn.iheart.com/featured/western-southern-webn-fireworks/.
Several road closures will take effect on Sunday:
– All streets north of East Fourth Street from Madison Avenue to the Licking River close to vehicles at 6 p.m.
– The Roebling Suspension Bridge closes at 6 p.m. for both vehicles and pedestrians.
– The Clay Wade Bailey Bridge closes to vehicles at 6 p.m. and pedestrians at 8 p.m.
– The Fourth Street Bridge to Newport closes at 8 p.m.
– Madison Avenue remains open for public parking access until lots are full or until 6 p.m., after which it closes north of Fourth Street except for TANK buses, Metropolitan Club invitation holders, and hotel guests with proper credentials.
– Access to Devou Park, Kenton Hills, and The Bluffs is restricted from 2 p.m. onward to residents and their guests only.
After the fireworks conclude around 9:30 p.m., streets inside the Impact Area will not reopen immediately; residents and guests cannot exit by vehicle until pedestrian traffic has cleared and police determine it is safe.
Parking restrictions include “No Parking, Tow Away Zones” posted throughout much of the Impact Area starting at 7 a.m. on Sunday. Vehicles parked illegally or next to meters in these zones will be subject to towing. Affected areas include Riverside Drive, Rivercenter Boulevard, Garrard Street between East Second Street and Riverside Drive, Kennedy Street between East Second Street and Riverside Drive, Shelby Street, Scott Boulevard north of East Fourth Street, Greenup Street north of East Fourth Street, East Third Street east of Madison Avenue, Park Place, Court Street, surface lots along Rivercenter Boulevard between Madison Avenue and Johnson Street as well as below the Roebling Suspension Bridge, plus grass areas in Devou Park.
Vehicles parked in garages or lots within the Impact Area cannot leave until pedestrian traffic has cleared post-event.
Alcohol consumption is prohibited on city property and in public places throughout Riverfest. Coolers and beverage containers are subject to inspection at checkpoints. Alcohol brought into private events must arrive before 6 p.m.; after that time no one—including residents—will be allowed entry into the Impact Area with alcohol.
Other prohibitions within the Impact Area include glass containers, bicycles, skateboards, pets, roller blades or skates, personal fireworks displays or motorized scooters such as Lime or Bird brands. Motorized vehicles or scooters are also banned from floodwalls. Swimming in either river during Riverfest is not allowed; mooring along Covington’s shoreline is prohibited; vendors without Special Event Permits may not enter.
According to city officials’ announcements each year prior events have drawn significant attendance requiring coordinated efforts by local authorities (https://www.covingtonky.gov/news/2023/08/25/covington-announces-riverfest-rules-road-closures-for-labor-day-weekend).
“Alcohol is prohibited on City property and in public places at all times. All coolers and beverage containers are subject to inspection and will be checked at designated checkpoints.”
“Anyone wishing to bring alcohol to a private event must have it in the Impact Area before 6 p.m. After 6 p.m., police officers will not allow anyone – including residents – with alcohol to enter the Impact Area.”
“Glass containers, bicycles, skateboards, pets, roller blades, roller skates, fireworks, and motorized scooters (such as Lime, Bird etc.) are all prohibited in the Impact Area.”
“Motorized vehicles or scooters are also not permitted on floodwalls.”
“Swimming in both the Ohio and Licking Rivers is prohibited during Riverfest.”
“Mooring along the Covington shoreline is prohibited.”
“Vendors (without Special Event Permits) are not permitted to enter the Impact Area.”
